CBD and Anticoagulants, Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a medication derived from the cannabis plant. CBD may be used to treat several conditions, however it can interact negatively with anticoagulants such as warfarin.
CBD may interact with a variety of medicines, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. As a consequence, it may be necessary to minimise or modify the usage of other drugs if CBD is introduced.
There are a number of variables that might impact medication interactions, including the patient’s health, the medicine dosage, and the CBD dose. Therefore, it is essential to visit a physician before beginning cannabis therapy.
Does CBD interact with warfarin (anticoagulant)?
The first response is YES!
Any drug or chemical you take must be metabolised by your body. The metabolic process “breaks down” medications so that the body may absorb their constituents and experience their effects.
The chemical structure of a drug impacts how it is broken down, especially in the liver, and consequently the rate at which it departs the body. The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family is responsible for processing ‘foreign’ chemicals and making them readily excretable by the body.
The CYP450 enzyme may be delayed or sped up by a number of drugs and substances, including CBD. This indicates that drug interactions occur when the presence of another substance modifies the effects of one substance.
CBD, CYP450, and warfarin
CYP450 is primarily responsible for warfarin metabolism. These enzymes are inhibited by cannabidiol. A 2017 research released by the US National Library of Medicine found that CBD “competes” with warfarin in the same metabolic pathway.
When used combined, CBD and warfarin may prolong warfarin’s half-life without causing its breakdown. This may cause undesirable side effects such as excessive bleeding or even overdose.
Is it possible to take CBD oil with warfarin?
Warfarin and CBD oil should never be used together. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of deadly blood clots that may cause heart attacks or strokes.
Heavy bleeding, headaches, and edoema are among the potential side effects of warfarin.
A 2017 research published in Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports shown that CBD boosts the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs by inhibiting their metabolism.
By increasing the half-lives of these medications, cannabidiol may enhance some of their associated hazards.
Other products to avoid
In addition to individual characteristics (which vary from person to person), medication interactions might alter how your body responds.
Anticoagulants interact with vitamins, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and meals. These things may diminish efficacy or raise the risk of excessive bleeding.
Avoid the following meals and beverages while using blood thinners:
- Orange juice
- Garlic
- black licorice
- Alcohol
- Green tea
Can CBD replace blood thinners?
CBD research is relatively new compared to those of conventional medications. Cannabidiol has not yet been studied as a safe replacement for any anticoagulant.
A 2007 research published in Phytomedicine employed an obese mouse to demonstrate that cannabis extracts may have anticoagulant properties. Cannabinoids such as Cannabinol (CBN) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) shown anticoagulant effects in this investigation.
According to the researchers, THC and CBN were examined as potential therapies for thrombosis and diabetes, both of which might result in an abnormal rise in blood clotting.
Before using CBD as a replacement for anticoagulants or any other medicine, it is still required to visit a doctor.